Why Tinted Sunscreen Should Be Your Summer Go-To

As beauty editors who love skin care, we are obsessed—we repeat: OBSESSED—with sunscreen. How could we not be? After all, sunscreen helps protect the skin from the damaging effects of UV rays, including sunburn and even some cancers. The only downside? Reapplying sunscreen when you have a full face—or even a light base—of makeup on can be a difficult feat to conquer. This is just one of the reasons why us beauty editors love to use tinted sunscreen.

Unlike BB creams, tinted moisturizers, and foundations formulated with SPF, tinted sunscreen is actually sunscreen with a side of tint, not tinted makeup with a side of sun protection. In other words? You can wear tinted sunscreen on its own as your base makeup—if you’re into a sheer look—without needing to apply Broad Spectrum SPF underneath. Sounds like summer goals to us! Curious to know more? Our editors have selected four of their favorite tinted sunscreens from the L’Oréal portfolio of brands. See what made the cut, ahead.

LA ROCHE-POSAY ANTHELIOS MINERAL SPF 50 SUNSCREEN

If you’re looking for a drugstore sunscreen that provides Broad Spectrum SPF coverage and antioxidant protection, look no further than La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen. This drugstore sunscreen—formulated to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays and provide a nice, even-looking tint—offers a matte, non-whitening finish.  

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen, $33.50 MSRP

SKINCEUTICALS PHYSICAL FUSION UV DEFENSE SPF 50

If you want a tinted sunscreen that can give your skin an even, radiant-looking finish, reach for SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50. The weightless, fluid formula—with zinc oxide, mineral filters, and translucent color spheres—provides the complexion with a slight tint as well as protection against harmful UV rays.

SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50, $34 MSRP

Editor’s Note: I use this tinted sunscreen daily and absolutely love it—so much so that, after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand to try, I went out and purchased my own! I love that it is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and provides my skin with a more even-looking tint. It’s also super easy to reapply throughout the day—even when I have makeup on—because of its weightless texture and tinted hue.

SKINCEUTICALS PHYSICAL MATTE UV DEFENSE SPF 50

Go matte with SkinCeuticals Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50! We love SkinCeuticals Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50 because not only can it help provide protection from the sun’s harmful—read: damaging—UV rays, it’s oil-absorbing base can helppromote a matte finish, too! Ideal for those with combination or oily skin types, this tinted matte sunscreen is a beach bag must-have. 

SkinCeuticals Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50, $34 MSRP

SKINCEUTICALS EYE UV DEFENSE SPF 50

Don’t forget to protect your eyes! SkinCeuticals Eye UV Defense SPF 50 is formulated for the area around and under the eye contour for added protection against the summer—and year-round—sun. What’s more? Its tinted formula can promote a more even-looking skin tone and make it easier to reapply on top of your foundation, concealer, and so on.

SkinCeuticals Eye UV Defense SPF 50, $30 MSRP

Editor’s note: When using your sunscreen of choice, be sure to follow the use instructions as directed on the packaging. Keep in mind that sunscreen cannot fully protect your skin against harmful UV rays. In addition to applying and reapplying sunscreen daily, partake in additional sun protection measures such as wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding peak sun hours.